The Villa Times - 26/06/2009

Vital Villa are set to launch a shop selling t-shirts and we thought the best way to do this and to ensure we only sell what the Villa fans want, is by asking those clever enough, to design them! Full details and link to forum where we already have some great... and a few dubious (!) suggestions: Design A Villa T-Shirt For Vital Villa

Villa duo Nathan Delfouneso and Nathan Baker have been named in the U-19's England squad for the European Championships to be played in the Ukraine next month. England face Ukraine, Slovenia and Switzerland.

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The England U21's are currently 3-0 up Sweden and look set to move on to the Finals. Unfortunately Gabby has picked up a second yellow of the tournament so he'd miss the final.

Villa have set up a lovely pre-season friendly at home to Fiorinta on Saturday August 8 - 3pm - a week before the Premiership Kicks off . Full details including ticket news: Pre-Season Home Game v Fiorentina Announced

Academy director Bryan Jones says Villa midfielder Craig Gardner can take a lot from his Euro 2009 experience. Jones told the official site: 'He is still a young lad. He is still learning his trade. He still has a lot to learn. I am sure he will appreciate that. He just needs to be patient and bide his time and hopefully the opportunity will come. He is obviously in the manager's thoughts because he has been a squad player now for a full season.' He also says the fact he was captain for the qualifying game v Germany was a 'great boost' for him.

Barcelona and former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has been linked again, as have potential Martin Laursen replacements Matthew Upson of West Ham and Sylvain Distin of Manchester City.

Mystery seems to be surrounding the injury situation of Villa left-back Wilfred Bouma. Only yesterday the official site had an interview with Nicky Shorey saying he hopes Freddy returns soon, I have to be honest I was surprised to see those comments (Shorey Confident Of Bouma Recovery ) because they fly in the face of the rumours circulating elsewhere! Full details: Mystery Surrounds Wilfred Bouma's Prospects

Don't forget that James Milner, Craig Gardner and Gabby Agbonlahor could all be in action tonight for the England U21's in the Euro Championship semi final v Sweden. Details via Vital Villan: Young Lions Fighting Fit

Villa have snapped up Arsenal teenage sensation Samir Carruthers after the 16-year-old turned down a new contract at the Gunners and also rebuffed an approach from Fulham. (And yes, thank you, I know this isn't exactly new news but it is the first time we've had some decent quotes on the situation!) Full details: Villa Snap Up Arsenal U-16 Skipper

Steve Wade: With tennis on one channel and the Confederation Cup on another it has been a week of flipping, as I spent my evenings hopping from one sport to the other. I am not that much of a tennis fan but where else can you look up a schoolgirl's skirt and not get arrested? Full article: Something For The Weekend (241)

Thought for the day: 'MOTORISTS: Avoid getting prosecuted for using your phone whilst driving. Simply pop your mobile inside a large shell and the police will think you are listening to the sea.'

Comments

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Agree with the comments of Bryan Jones, our Academy Director, concerning Craig Gardner. I think a lot of the lad, and genuinely believe that he can have a very bright future here ahead of him at Brummagem B6. He's never really enjoyed an extended opportunity to stake a first team place, and he still faces stiff competition for a starting role, but given the chance I still feel he can do a job for us. His younger brother is very talented too, a highly promising lad, arguably better than Craig was at the same age. Watch out for both Gardner's this upcoming season.

Agree with the comments of Bryan Jones, our Academy Director, concerning Craig Gardner. I think a lot of the lad, and genuinely believe that he can have a very bright future here ahead of him at Brummagem B6. He's never really enjoyed an extended opportunity to stake a first team place, and he still faces stiff competition for a starting role, but given the chance I still feel he can do a job for us. His younger brother is very talented too, a highly promising lad, arguably better than Craig was at the same age. Watch out for both Gardner's this upcoming season.